Page 3 of 5 · complaints 101–150 of 223

2005 Volvo XC90 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2005 record →

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 18, 201290,000 milesMA

WHILE LEAVING HOUSE TO GO AND PICK-UP SON FROM SCHOOL .DOWN THE STREET VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE VOLVO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THINKING IT WOULD BE COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRANTY I WAS TOLD NO. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A MANUFACTURES FLAW WITH THE DESIGN OF THEIR ENGINE REPAIRS RAN CLOSE TO $3500.00 . I WAS PLANNING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VOLVO VEHICLE BUT MAYBE NOT . I THINK I'LL GO AMERICAN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 18, 201276,132 milesTN

I DROVE IN SEVERE DOWN POUR YESTERDAY AND EXPERIENCED AN YELLOW ERROR MESSAGE FOLLOWED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND ANTI SKID MESSAGE. I REDUCED MY SPEED TO 50 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE AND PROCEEDED HOME. AFTER STOPPING THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED ME THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH WATER GETTING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSING THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE TO SHORT CIRUIT AND RUST. THIS REPAIR ALONE COSTS OVER $5000 DUE THEIR DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND IMPROPER SEALING OF IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I AVOIDED ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS BY DRIVING SLOWLY BUT DO NOT FEEL SAFE WERE I TO TRAVEL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER IN THE FUTURE. I DO BELIEVE THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD SHORT CIRCUIT LEAVING ME WITHOUT ESSENTIAL POWER AND POSSIBLY HURT OR STRANDED. I CAN SEE FROM YOUR DATABASE THAT AN INVESTIGATION WAS COMPLETED ON 11/22/2010 UNDER ID PE10025 CITING NO REAL SAFETY ISSUES. I DISAGREE AND WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO REVISIT THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. VOLVO HAS CONCEDED TO REPLACE THE CEM ($753.52) UNIT BUT NOT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ($3034.71) THAT HOUSES IT, THEREFORE OWNERS LIKE MYSELF WILL CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM AND REAL DANGER FROM IT.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 11, 201271,000 milesNJ

STRONG FUEL ODOR WITHIN CABIN AFTER FUEL FILLUP, THERE IS A RECALL ON FUEL PUMPS DUE TO FIRE RISK ON THIS EXACT MODEL, JUST NOT ON MY VEHICLE. SHOULD I WAIT FOR A FIRE BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED? *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 6, 201275,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER WAITING A FEW MOMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS LATER NOTIFIED, BUT THE CONTACT HAD YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*BF UPDATED 02/27/12

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 5, 2012MS

SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE EVEN AFTER SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES. WAS TOLD THE ENGINE/TURBO WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED AFTER 100,000 MILES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 27, 2011110,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 13, 201170,422 milesTX

COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT FAILURE LEADING TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. DEFECTIVE DESIGN. *TR

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Dec 6, 201139,000 milesAK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP SHAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MOTOR WAS NOT ENGAGING AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 5, 201167,000 milesNJ

THE BALANCER BEARING AND SHAFT ON THE 2005 VOLVO XC90 SUV IS DEFECTIVE IN THE FIRST 6000 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FOR THAT MODEL YEAR. THE BALANCER SHAFT BEARING CAN GO BAD AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. IF THIS HAPPENS ON A HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THE RESULTS COULD BE DEADLY. VOLVO NORTH AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS AND DOES NOTHING TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO GET VOLVO OF NORTH AMERICA TO RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAVE DOING NOTHING TO DATE EXCEPT POINT TO MAINTENANCE, WHICH HAS NO IMPACT ON THE PROBLEM. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE TO INSURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AND VOLVO WILL NOT PAY FOR DAMAGES. THE REMEDY IN MOST CASES IS AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT WHICH COSTS ABOUT $15,000 , AND AS MENTIONED, VOLVO WILL NOT PAY FOR IT. VOLVO MUST BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THE PROBLEM AND COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED. THESE VEHICLES MUST BE RECALLED AND THE PROBLEM MUST BE FIXED BEFORE COUNTLESS LIVES ARE PUT AT RISK BY THIS TICKING TIME BOMB THAT WILL GO OFF. AT 70 MILES AN HOUR , A FAILED ENGINE COULD LEAD TO DEATH. THERE ARE 6000 VOLVO XC90'S WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THE BALANCER BECOMING DAMAGED AND CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $ 14,700 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. UPDATED IVOQ 03/09/12

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 3, 201160,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING ACCELERATION. THE MALFUNCTION PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AS A RESULT TO THE ENGINE BALANCE SHAFT FRACTURING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 16, 201186,330 milesMA

HEARD LOUD TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE AT 86330K MILES. VEHICLE RIDE BECAME SOMEWHAT ROUGH. DIAGNOSED AT VOLVO DEALERSHIP AS BALANCE SHAFT BEARING "PART FAILURE". EST. TO FIX: ~$3800. VOLVO AGREED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE PARTS, APPROX $1500. BALANCE OF $2325.50 PAID BY VEHICLE OWNER. TOOK 1 WEEK FOR VOLVO TO OBTAIN PARTS AS THEY ARE NOT COMMONLY STOCKED OR WERE BACK ORDERED. ON LINE RESEARCH REVEALED THIS TO HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH EARLY 2005 XC90 V8'S. WATER/CONDENSATION/VAPOR IS ABLE TO GET IN AND RUST THE BEARING LEADING TO ENGINE FAILURE. A TSB WAS ISSUED (? WHEN) FOR A FIX TO DRILL A "WEEPING HOLE" IN ENGINE BLOCK TO DRAIN WATER FROM THE BEARING. *TT

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 201190,000 milesTX

A COMPLAINT WAS PREVIOUS FILED REGARDING TO TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM. SITUATION GETTING WORSE. VOLVO XC90 V8 2005; REPLACED CEM UNIT TWO YEARS BACK. RECENTLY FOLLOWING PROBLEMS HAPPENED. 1. TURN SIGNAL STOP WORKING 2. NO HIGH BEAM 3. NO WINDSHIELD WASHING 4. NO CRUISE CONTROL 5. NO VEHICLE INFORMATION FUNCTION PROBLEMS LOOK LIKE ASSOCIATED WITH FAULTY CEM AGAIN. VEHICLE IS VERY RISKY TO DRIVE WITH UNRELIABLE OR NOT-FUNCTIONING TURN SIGNAL. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Aug 26, 201185,000 milesTX

VOLVO XC90 2005, TURNING SIGNAL ACTS DANGEROUSLY. SOMETIMES IT WORKS BUT MOST TIME NO ACTION HAPPENS. COMPLETELY DEAD AND RESTARTING CAR SOMETIMES FIX THE PROBLEM. MULTIPLE CASES OF DANGEROUS INCIDENTS DUE TO NO SIGNAL. *TT

Electrical System
Filed Aug 21, 201175,000 milesAR

VOLVO XC90 2005 LOW BEAM BULB FAILURE ERROR AND ONE BEAM TURNS OFF. THEN COMES BACK ON, AND SOMETIMES ALL LIGHTS GO OFF. VERY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. IF YOU TURN THE HEADLIGHT DIAL TO ANOTHER SETTING THEY WILL COME BACK ON, BUT THEN BLINK OFF AGAIN, AND SOMETIMES OFF COMPLETELY. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE INTERMITTENT OCCURRENCE OF THIS. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 18, 201160,800 milesMO

PURCHASED USED 2005 VOLVO XC90 IN SPRING OF 2010. DURING THE NEXT YEAR EXPERIENCED VERY INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES. EXAMPLES ARE LOCKS NOT WORKING, BLINKER, RADIO. THESE ISSUES LITERALLY ONLY HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES. IN APRIL 2011 HAD BIYEARLY SAFETY AND EMISSIONS DONE AT LOCAL DEALERSHIP (NON VOLVO) AND IT DID NOT PASS EMISSIONS. NEXT DAY TOOK MY VOLVO XC90 TO WEISS VOLVO AND IT PASSED EMISSIONS (WITHOUT ME KNOWING THEY CLEARED ERRORS ON THE CAR TO GET IT TO PASS. THIS MUST BE THE REASON IN EUROPE THAT DEALERSHIPS CAN'T INSPECT THEIR OWN MAKE OF CARS) ON JULY 17 2011 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 1 YEAR OLD IN THE BACK SEAT. RADIO WENT OUT. A FEW MINUTES LATER ALMOST EVERYTHING IN THE CAR SHUT DOWN EXCEPT FOR THE ENGINE. LOST A/C (IT WAS 110 THAT DAY), LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKING WAS INTERMITTENT, NO BLINKERS, NO HEADLIGHTS, NO LIGHTS IN INTERIOR, WHILE I WAS AT FULL SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. I AM NOT SURE IF ENGINE WAS INTERMITTENT OR NOT BECAUSE I GOT OFF AS SOON AS I COULD. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO WEISS VOLVO SO DROPPED IT OFF THERE AGAIN ON THE DATE OF THE TOTAL FAILURE. CALLED VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE ON JULY 18 2011 TO FILE COMPLAINT. WEISS VOLVO CALLED BACK AND TOLD US CAR WOULDN'T START. CALLED BACK LATER IN THE DAY AND SAID THEY SAW THAT EVERYTHING WENT OUT AND CAR WAS FULL OF CODES. WEISS SENT IN AN ESTIMATE FOR $1500 TO REPLACE ECM. I ASKED WEISS TO PERFORM AN EMISSIONS TEST (BY MO LAW MANUFACTURER'S CARS MUST PASS EMISSIONS TEST UP TO 80K MILES AND MY CAR HAD 61

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 201160,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 9, 201193,834 milesMN

I'D LIKE TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE LIST OF THOSE ALREADY REPORTING THE ABRUPT LOSS OF ALL ELECTRONICS, INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND ALL DASHBOARD GAUGES, DURING A RAINSTORM. MY ISSUE WAS ALSO IDENTIFIED AS A PREMATURELY CORRODED CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (CEM) CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW ALLOWING WATER TO ACCESS THE CEM CONNECTOR. I'M SHOCKED TO FIND OUT VOLVO KNEW ABOUT THIS IN 2005, WELL WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR MOST OF THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES, AND DID NOTHING TO CORRECT OR EVEN ALERT THEIR OWNERS. I URGE THE NHTSA TO REVISIT THEIR INVESTIGATION, AND FORCE A RECALL IF VOLVO CONTINUES TO REFUSE. I CAN ASSURE YOU AS A DRIVER DURING THIS EVENT, THIS IS INDEED A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I HOPE WE AREN'T WAITING FOR ENOUGH INJURIES OR DEATHS BEFORE YOU GET TO THAT OBVIOUS CONCLUSION.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2011130,000 milesCA

BRAKES LIGHTS ALWAYS ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT WATER HAD LEAKED INTO CEM MODULE AND MAIN WIREHARNESS AND REQUIRED REPLACEMNET AT A COST OF $7000. KNOWN ISSUE TO VOLVO WITH SERVICE BULLETIN SENT TO DEALERS. FOUND INDEPENDENT VOLVO REPAIR SHOP WILLING TO REPLACE MODULE ONLY (SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD FROM DEALER) AND CLEAN BUILD-UP ON HARNESS CONNECTORS. REQUIRING REMOVAL OF PART OF DASH, DRIVER SEAT. TOOK 4 DAYS AT REPAIR SHOP. REPAIR COMPLETED FOR UNDER $2000. *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 28, 201164,780 milesNY

1.JULY 8, 2011. 2005 VOLVO XC90 BALANCE SHAFT BROKE OFF WITHIN CAR ENGINE. HEARD A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM CAR ENGINE, AND LOST A GREAT DEAL OF POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. 2.FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE DUE TO ACCELERATING TO GET OF THE HIGHWAY IN ORDER TO AVOID A COLLISION FROM VEHICLES COMING FROM BEHIND. THIS WAS A SCARY LIFE AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE. 3.VOLVO HAVING EXPLAINED WHAT CREATED THE PROBLEM TO DATE. THE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED OUT AND ALMOST RE-BUILT AT A COST TO ALMOST $8500.00 EXTENDED WARRANTY I PAID $4,100 FOR IS NOT COVERING FULL COST. I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER $2000 + COST OF CAR RENTALS TO DATE. JULY 28, 2011, CAR IS STILL WITH VOLVO. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 24, 201156,201 milesMI

1. HEARD MARBLE NOISES UNDERHOOD AFTER 56,000 MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING. WELL MAINTAINED. 2. BALANCE SHAFT BEARING BROKE APART AND PUT OUT METAL SHARDS BETWEEN CYLINDER HEADS. LOUD METALLIC NOISE FROM ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY AFTER PULLING OVER TO AVOID ENGINE DESTRUCTION AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DUE TO HALTED VEHICLE. HAD TO BE TOWED. 3. BALANCE SHAFT BEARING IS BEING REPLACED. OLD PART (IN PIECES) AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS. *TR

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jul 11, 2011110,000 milesNE

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPED IN 2005 VOLVO XC 90 WHEN SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. GLASS REPAIR FACILITY SAID THERE WAS LIKELY A FLAW IN THE GLASS. VOLVO SAYS NOT LIKELY. IF I HAD HAD THE SHADE OPEN ALL THAT GLASS WOULD HAVE FALLEN ONTO ME/PASSENGERS AND INTO EYES. SHATTERED INTO A THOUSAND LITTLE PIECES. COULD HAVE CAUSED A ACCIDENT AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY. *TT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 24, 2011124,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ON 2005 XC90 T6. SLIPPING AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS. FOUND METAL CHUNKS IN TRANSMISSION OIL PAN. REPORTED TO VOLVO NA FOR "GOODWILL" REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. DENIED BECAUSE VEHICLE HAS OVER 100K MILES. VEHICLE IS ONLY USED ON WEEKENDS AN LONG TRIPS. NOT BEING DRIVEN HARD. VOLVO NOT LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS OR REPUTATION. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 21, 201192,000 milesKY

TRANSMISSION COMPLETE FAILURE AT 92,000 MILES. APPEARS TO BE A MATERIAL MANUFACTURING DEFECT. VOLVO TECH SPEC DESCRIBES DEFECTIVE PART, YET VOLVO DEALERSHIP REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 201142,000 milesMI

1. NORMAL CITY/HIGHWAY DRIVING. 2. TURN SIGNALS SPORADICALLY DO NOT FUNCTION. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DOES NOT MATTER, WHETHER IN WINTER OR SUMMER. 3. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2011130,000 milesVA

DURING RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING, HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AND CAR LOSES POWER. I HAVE COME DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO HIGH SPEED ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER. ALSO CAR HAS A SEVERE JERK IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN. SO STRONG I THOUGHT I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THERE IS A PROBLEM NHTSA INVESTIGATED WITH WATER GETTING INTO THE CEM. VOLVO ACKNOWLEDGED MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT RESULTS IN WATER GETTING IN CEM BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE COVER. THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN THIS MIGHT HAPPENS-APPEARS TO DEPEND ON HOW HEAVY THE RAIN, IF ROADWAY HAS A LOT OF WATER. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR SAFETY REASONS-VOLVO CONTINUES TO PUT CONSUMERS AT RISK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 3, 201185,000 milesFL

I HAVE A 2005 VOLVO XC90 V8 THE CAR HAS BEEN DEVELOPING A SHAKE, I BROUGHT IT TO VOLVO FOR A CHECK UP, NOTHING WAS REPORTED AS UNUSUAL. YESTERDAY I HEARD KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE AND IMMEDIATELY FLATBEDDED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE WENT TO DIAGNOSE AND THE ENGINE HAS FROZE. THE DEALER IS RESEARCHING AND EXPLAINED IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH A NEW ENGINE COSTING $14,000.00, READING OTHER BULLETINS I SUSPECT THIS IS A COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE AND IS OCCURRING WITH ALL 2005 V8 XC90'S AS THEY INCREASE IN AGE AND EXIT ANY WARRANTY PERIOD. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN DO SOMETHING, A NEW ENGINE COST AS MUCH AS IT'S TRADE-IN VALUE. SUCH A KNOW ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED WITH VOLVO PICKING UP THE COST. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 26, 2011106,550 milesAL

A NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF REPLACEMENT AUTOMOBILE PARTS PROVIDED THE INCORRECT SIZE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS FOR A 2005 VOLVO XC-90. A OWENS CROSS ROAD, AL AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT INSTALLED THESE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS BLAMED THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR'S CATALOG ERROR FOR SMALLER (APPROXIMATELY 0.50 INCH) FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WHICH ARE SOLD AS AN EXACT REPLACEMENT FOR THE ORIGINAL VOLVO ROTORS. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ACTUALLY EXCEEDED THE FRONT ROTORS OUTER DIAMETER AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN OBVIOUS TO ANY RESPONSIBLE AUTO MECHANIC. THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS CATALOG ERROR IS RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES. THE NAME OF THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR IS UNKNOWN BUT CERTAINLY COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE OWENS CROSS ROAD AUTO REPAIR SERVICE. THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR SHOULD BE FINED AND REQUIRED TO NOTIFY EVERY AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHICH THEY HAVE SUPPLIED WITH THE INCORRECT SIZE FRONT ROTORS.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 20, 201175,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC NOTICE THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP. THE MECHANIC STATED THE ENGINE NEEDS TO REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT NOTICE NUMEROUS COMPLAINT REGARDING ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED AT A DEALER THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE FAILED A CRASH COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 14, 201135,000 milesCA

2005 XC90 V8. POWER REDUCTION, ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE REAR COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT BEARING. FAILURE AT 35,000 MILES ON ENGINE, 4 YR OLD, DEALER SERVICED. LONG BLOCK REPLACED WHILE UNDER EXTENDED 7-YR WARRANTY. BY DEALER. TOTAL REPAIR COST (W/O WARRANTY) WOULD HAVE BEEN $15,000. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 201170,000 milesNY

2005 VOLVO XC90 V8 AWD-NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN UPSTATE NY IN 2010. ODD PROBLEMS SUCH AS HEADLIGHTS FAILING, POWER WINDOWS OPENING AND "ANTI" THEFT FEATURES (KEY LOCK) BEING ACTIVATED FOR UNKNOWN REASON-THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A BALANCE SHAFT REPLACEMENT AT ABOUT 70K MILES (I BELIEVE IT HAD 65K MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT) WHICH APPARENTLY WAS DUE TO MANUFACTURER NOT HAVING DRIP HOLES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE SOMEWHAT RELATED TO THAT PROBLEM IN THAT WATER SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE ODD ELECTRICAL ISSUES DON'T ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN ITS RAINING BUT MOISTURE APPEARS TO BE A FACTOR. LATEST ISSUE WAS A LOCKED SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION-CAR WOULD START BUT COULD NOT PUT INTO ANY GEAR-TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CEM (CENTRAL ELECTRONICS MODULE) FOR $2300.00. I MADE THEM GIVE ME THE DEFECTIVE MODULE SO HAVE IT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE IT EXAMINE IT. LUCKILY, I ONLY HAD ONE DANGEROUS ISSUE AND THAT IS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED DURING A DARK/RAINY NIGHT. TOO EARLY TO TELL IF THE CEM FIXES THE PROBLEM AS JUST HAD IT FIXED TODAY 5/13/2011. STARTED RESEARCHING WHY THIS WOULD BE AN ISSUE AND THAT'S WHEN I STARTED READING OTHER VOLVO DRIVERS EXPERIENCES THAT SEEMED QUITE SIMILAR TO MINE. I NEVER HAD COMPLETE VEHICLE FAILURE BUT LOSING THE HEADLIGHTS WAS NOT FUN...I THINK VOLVO KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT THE ISSUE AS THEY DIDN'T HESITATE IN INSTALLING THE CEM...I AM LISTING THE SPECIFIC DATE

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 29, 201153,000 milesCA

I HAVE AN 2005 VOLVO XC90 WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALREADY GONE OUT LEAVING MY FAMILY STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 29, 201150,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK EXCESSIVELY WITH A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE ENGINE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE SIMILAR FAILURE RECURRED AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL YET THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 4, 201158,070 milesOH

OUT OF THE BLUE A WELL-MAINTAINED AND WELL CARED FOR 2005 VOLVO XC90 V8 SUV DEVELOPED A SEVERE ENGINE KNOCKING/BANGING SOUND (ALL SERVICE RECORDS COMPLETED AT REQUIRED TIME PERIODS). ACTUALLY SOUNDED LIKE BALL BEARINGS ROLLING AROUND INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. 58,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY AND VEHICLE FLATBEDDED TO THE SERVICE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION, THE COUNTERBALANCE BEARING AND SHAFT FAILED. IF ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN SHUT DOWN THERE WAS A VERY REAL POSSIBILITY OF THE BEARING SEIZING AND THE SHAFT HITS THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK BREAKING THE TIMING CHAIN BENDING ALL THE VALVES(I.E. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE)! AS THE MANUFACTURER, VOLVO SHOULD BEAR THE FULL MONETARY RESPONSIBILITY WHEN IT COME TO THIS REPAIR. A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. THE SERVICE TECH MUST TEAR YOU ENGINE APART (LITERALLY REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE VEHICLE AND OPEN THE ENGINE BLOCK!) TO PROPERLY COMPLETE THE REPAIR. VOLVO SHOULD BE PICKING UP THE ENTIRE COST OF THIS FIASCO. PARTS AND LABOR. PERIOD. TO DATE VOLVO MAKING OWNERS PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE PARTS ARE BETWEEN $1200-2000. IT IS NOT THE CORRECT WAY FOR A SO-CALLED 'QUALITY AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER' TO HANDLE THE SITUATION. WHEN CUSTOMERS PAY $45000-$55,000 FOR AN AUTOMOBILE, THEY EXPECT THE CAR (AND THE ENGINE!) TO LAST A WEE LONGER THAN 55,000-75,000 MILES (SARCASM INTENDED). FRANKLY, THIS WILL BE MY LAST VOLVO. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 26, 2011130,000 milesNC

SAFETY COMPLAINT - SUDDEN VEHICLE DISABLED ? 2005 VOLVO XC90 V8 ? JUNE 2010 130000 MILES. WIFE WAS DRIVING BUSY URBAN ROAD AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED FROM MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE. THE TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKEN AND THE ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. REPAY WAS $10,000 WITH A USED 60,000 MILE ENGINE INSTALLED. VOLVO WOULD NOT COVER ANY COST EVEN THOUGH A PRODUCT BULLETIN WAS PUT OUT. VEHICLE ALWAYS SERVICED BY DEALER AND NO MENTION EVER MADE OF POTENTIAL FOR FAILURE OR THE BULLETIN. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 26, 2011152,000 milesNC

SAFETY COMPLAINT 'SECOND OCCURRENCE SAME VEHICLE - SUDDEN VEHICLE DISABLED ' 2005 VOLVO XC90 V8 ' FEBRUARY 2011 153,000 MILES. DAUGHTER WITH LEARNER PERMIT DRIVING DOWN BUSY URBAN ROAD AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN THE RIGHT OF WAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED TO SIDE OF ROAD SECOND COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE REPLACED ENGINE FROM THE PRIOR OCCURRENCE ' SEE COMPLAINT NUMBER 10392958. THIS ENGINE HAD 77,000 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. THE TIMING CHAIN HAD NOT BROKEN AND THE BALANCER SHAFT, IDLER GEAR COULD BE REPLACED AND ENGINE REPAIRED AFTER THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REMOVED - $3,000 REPAIR. VOLVO WOULD NOT COVER ANY COST EVEN THOUGH A PRODUCT BULLETIN WAS PUT OUT. VEHICLE ALWAYS SERVICED BY VOLVO DEALER AND NO MENTION EVER MADE OF POTENTIAL FOR FAILURE OR THE BULLETIN. RESEARCH NOW INDICATES THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL YEAR CONFIGURATION. WE HAVE PURCHASED ANOTHER BRAND DUE TO SAFETY CONCERN, FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICE BY THE DEALER AND FAILURE OF VOLVO TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE % OF 2005 VOLVO XC 90 V8 VEHICLES WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND ENGINE FAILURE RATE NEEDS TO BE ANALYZED. PLEASE REVIEW AND INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 201149,700 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BUT THEY WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RAIN WAS SEEPING INTO THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/05/11*LJ UPDATED 05/13/11

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 22, 201172,000 milesAZ

I PURCHASED A 2005 XC90 V8 AWD WITH 65000, AFTER A MONTH OR SO I NOTICED HARD SHIFTING, YESTERDAY WE TOOK A TRIP UP THE MOUNTAIN AND I ACTUALLY LOST MY TRANSMISSION FOR A MIN, IT SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE WHILE PASSING A VEHICHLE, RPM SHOT UP TO 5-6K, IT KICKED BACK IN AGAIN ONCE WE SLOWED AND WE PULLED TO THE SIDE TO MAKE SURE IT WOULD STAY IN GEAR BEFORE GOING AGAIN. NOW IT HAS GONE BACK TO HARD SHIFTING OCCASIONALLY. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE AND FOUND LOTS OF REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS. CONTACTING VOLVO HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL AT ALL THEY WANT 7K FOR A NEW CRAPPY BUILT TRANSMISSION. NEW VEH 45K AND NEW TRANSMISSION EVERY 50K MI, WHAT A DEAL THIS CAR IS. I DONT WANT TO WAIT TILL ME OR MY FAMILY IS HURT OR KILLED TO REPORT IT.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 1, 2011126,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO HEAR A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE BEARING AND CAM SHAFTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 201161,000 milesCO

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN RAIN, THE HEADLIGHTS OF THE CAR BEGAN FLASHING ON AND OFF (SOMETIMES DRIVERS SIDE, SOMETIMES PASSENGER SIDE, SOMETIMES BOTH) INTERMITTENTLY. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED CAR. THIS SOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW MILES, THEN IT DID IT AGAIN. NOW, THE RIGHT LIGHT IS OUT COMPLETELY, BUT AT LEAST THE LEFT SEEMS TO BE STAYING ON. THIS EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 18, 201168,000 milesNJ

2005 VOLVO XC90 COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT BROKE AND SEIZED ENGINE. ONLY 68,000 MILES AND A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE! VOLVO REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM. QUOTED $16,850 PLUS TAX FOR REMANUFACTURED UNIT. INCIDENTALLY, JUST THIS PAST SEPT ALSO HAD TO REPLACE OIL COOLER, THERMOSTAT AND EXPANSION TANK WHEN THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AS WERE DRIVING THROUGH VIRGINIA. THIS IS ANOTHER WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE! *LN

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 3, 2011113,000 milesGA

COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE AT 113,000 MILES LUCKILY FAILURE HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE REPAIR SHOP. IF THIS WOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON THE HIGHWAY MY WIFE AND KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. VOLVO KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE OR WOULD NOT HAVE RELEASED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON WAYS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BY DRILLING WEEP HOLES IN THE BLOCK TO SHED MOISTURE. THE TRAPPED MOISTURE CAUSES THE BEARING TO RUST AND FINALLY FAIL CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. VOLVO HAS OFFERED A MERE $3,000.00 TO CORRECT A $15,000.00 PROBLEM. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER 2005 XC-90 OWNERS WITH ENGINE FAILURE ALWAYS FROM THE FAILED COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING. HOW DO WE FORCE VOLVO TO ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 31, 2011131,000 milesVA

2005 XC90 V8-MANY PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND CAR LOSING POWER. LOST POWER ON INTERSTATE-CAR WOULD LOSE POWER AND SPEED-NEEDED TOW-HAPPENED TWICE. CURRENT ISSUE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY ALL LIGHTS COMING ON STATING BRAKE FAILURE, POWER OVERLOAD, LIMP MODE AND BRAKE FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR AT COST OF $1006. 10 DAYS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ANTI SKID LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT. CAR LOST HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS-9 PM AND SLEETING. DEALER NOW SAYS NEED TO REPLACE CEM AND BATTERY AT A COST OF $3,000 DUE TO WATER IN CEM. IT WAS RAINING OR SLEETING BOTH TIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. VOLVO REDESIGNED THE COVER TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION BUT NEEDS TO ISSUE RECALL. VERY DANGEROUS- TICKING TIME BOMB. SOMEONE WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT ON RAINY NIGHT ON INTERSTATE. PLEASE CONSIDER REQUIRING RECALL-OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE ARE SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO VOLVO XC90 V8 DESIGN FLAWS. HOW CAN VOLVO BE ALLOWED TO SELL VEHICLES THAT SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN OUTSIDE/OR IN THE RAIN. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 27, 201164,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK WHEN HE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 6, 2011115,000 milesNY

BALANCE SHAFT FAILURE ON 2005 VOLVO XC90 V8 WITH 115K MILES. UNBELIEVABLE THAT VOLVO WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS. BALANCE SHAFT FAILED TODAY AT JUST UNDER 115K MILES... UNBELIEVABLE... AND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST AN INTERNET RUMOR. IF YOU HAVE A 2005 XC90, SELL IT NOW! SERIOUSLY, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A $50,000 VEHICLE, AND EVEN MORE UNACCEPTABLE FOR VOLVO NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I SERIOUSLY DOUBT WE WILL EVER BUY ANOTHER VOLVO AGAIN SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. SHOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE GERMANS (AUDI OR BMW), OR DARE I SAY IT THE JAPANESE, OR EVEN THE AMERICANS! I CAN REPLACE A LOT OF WHEEL BEARINGS ON A YUKON FOR WHAT THIS BALANCE SHAFT IS GOING TO COST ME. VOLVO NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT WITH EVERY OWNER OF A 2005 XC90. VOLVO KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT IS WHY THEY ISSUED A TSB TO DRILL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE BLOCK, BUT THEY NEED TO STEP UP AND ISSUE A RECALL OR, AT THE VERY LEAST IF AN OWNER COMES INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THIS PROBLEM, THEY NEED TO FIX IT AT NO CHARGE. IT WAS THEIR MISTAKE, OWN UP TO IT AND FIX IT! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 19, 2010100,093 milesLA

I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER ON A VERY LONG BRIDGE AT NIGHT IN MY 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHILE THE CAR STAYED ON, IT APPEARED TO HAVE LOST POWER. I HAVE HAD OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AND HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS WAS BY FAR THE MOST DANGEROUS INCIDENT! AFTER DOING SOME INTERNET RESEARCH, I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF REPORTS SIMILAR TO MINE. THERE IS A DEFINITE ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 29, 201070,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WOULD SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE CEM UNIT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 3, 201085,698 milesNY

OCTOBER 10, 2010 PURCHASED CASH 2005 XC90 V8. WENT THROUGH SAFETY AND EMISSION SERVICE FOR REGISTRATION-- OKAY. OCTOBER 22 HEARD A STRANGE NOISE FROM ENGINE, CALLED VOLVO DEALERSHIP TO REQUEST SERVICE. DIDN'T DRIVE ON OCTOBER 23, 2010. ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, WENT OUT TO MOVE THE CAR FOR OPPOSITE SIDE PARKING AND TO GAS UP FOR DRIVE TO SERVICE CENTER. CAR STOPPED AT SERVICE STATION, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTICS OCTOBER 25, 2010 CONFIRMED: NOISE IS FROM EITHER BROKEN CONNECTING ROD OR BALANCE SHAFT....ADVICE TO CUSTOMER "NEEDS ENGINE" AT A COST OF $14,000+. THE CAR DID NOT COME WITH A WARRANTY AND EVEN NOW THE DEALER IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY EVASIVE--AS HE SAYS HE WAS THE OWNER/DEALER AT THE TIME OF SALE, AND AS INDIVIDUAL SELLER REGISTERED IN ANOTHER STATE AND NOT NEW YORK, SO DOES NOT HAVE TO HONOR WARRANTY OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. CALL VOLVO NORTH AMERICA ON OCTOBER 26, 2010 WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF OUR OWNERSHIP, (STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED TITLE TO CAR). RESPONSE WAS --NO WARRANTY NO ASSISTANCE WITH THIS COUNTER BALANCE OR ANY OTHER ISSUE BEYOND 4 YEAR/50,000 MILES. CONCERN: BEFORE PURCHASE WHEN ASKING THE DEALER NO MENTION NOR WHEN RESEARCHED NO REVELATION OF THE COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEING AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR THE 2005 XC90 V8. HOWEVER, FURTHER EVIDENCE CLEARLY SHOWS DESIGN FLAWS IN THE ORIGINAL YAMAHA ENGINES, AND A SLIGHT COVERT ATTEMPT BY VOLVO TO FIX IT VIA ITS LIMITED EDITION TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN(TSB) TO DRILL THE HOLE IN THE SHAFT TO LET

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 1, 201060,000 milesCA

60,000 MILES ON A 1995 VOLVO XC90 AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST FAILED FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALREADY REPLACED THREE TIMES. FAILURE RESULTS IN CAR STOPPING WITHOUT WARNING. ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, IT JUST LOSES POWER. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 29, 201090,000 milesTX

I HAVE A 2005 VOLVO XC90 T6. BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS INCLUDING TRANSMISSION OUT; THE BLINKERS DO NOT WORK. THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE IS MISLEADING AND THIS IS A HORRIBLE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE BLINKER DON'T WORK. LOOKING INTO IT, SEEMS LIKE THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MANY OWNER OF VOLVO XC90 2005. THEY REALLY NEED TO RECALL THIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE AND CAUSE FATALITIES. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 14, 2010106,000 milesOH

VEHICLE HAS DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILURE. REPLACED BULB WITH CERTIFIED VOLVO REPLACEMENT AND STILL DID NOT WORK. CERTIFIED VOLVO MECHANIC TRACED FUSES AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (5 HOURS PAID SERVICE) AND FOUND THAT A PLASTIC PART DESIGNED TO KEEP WATER OUT OF THE INTERIOR (VIA WINDSHIELD) WAS DEFECTIVE, THEREFORE, CAUSING WATER LEAKAGE TO DAMAGE THE CENTRAL ELECTRICAL MODULE . *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2005 Volvo XC90 → · Every XC90 year → · How the figures are calculated →